When planning a trip, the Internet can be your best resource. You can plan your own vacation, decide what tourist attractions to visit, and book all of your fares and hotels online. Of course, there are hundreds of sites out there, so finding the best ones can be a little complicated. This list of the top 10 best travel sites online will get you started.

Travel Information

10. Viator.com

If you already know where you’re going, but aren’t sure what to do once you’re there, Viator is a great tool. You can input the location of your next family reunion, and find things to do when you’re not listening to your Great Uncle’s health issues or eating Grandma’s down-home cooking.

9. Travelchannel.com

Not only will Travel Channel’s online site give you information about the shows you see on TV, but they’ll help you plan your next trip. On their message boards, you can dish about your trip with other travelers, and you can upload your vacation photos and videos to share with other users.

8. Frommers.com

Frommers has a ‘micro site’ called Places You’ve Never Heard Of that will give you information on places you’ve never thought of for your vacation destination. If you want something more than just the same-old tourist trip, check out this site and find out about the hottest spots in Vietnam, Brazil, Morocco, Turkey, and other countries.

7. Smartertravel.com

Smartertravel can help you find great deals, but they have a lot more information than just cheap travel rates. Weekly travel columns, tips of the day, and featured destinations help you decide where you want to go for your next vacation. This site will also keep you updated with the latest news from the travel industry.

Find the best fares

6. Hotwire.com

Hotwire has one thing that makes it stand out from the other ‘cheap fares’ sites. Their ‘Bill Me Later’ feature will allow you to book your travel now, but not tie up your credit card until closer to your travel date, or even defer your payments for up to 90 days after your trip.

5. Travelocity.com

Travelocity is a good site for package deals, and you can specify your package by destination and by the kind of trip you’re looking for. They also allow you to search for specific packages that are perfect for a romantic getaway or that have gay-friendly accommodations.

4. Orbitz.com

If you’re a beach lover, Orbitz is the site for you. They have a quick, three-step quiz that will find the ideal beach for your vacation. You can choose your desired activities, whether or not you want to travel out of the US, and what kind of hotel you prefer. They will then give you several suggestions for the perfect beach for your trip.

3. Expedia.com

With Expedia, you can search for travel deals and packages based on your interests. If you’re looking for a spa retreat, a golf weekend, or a trip full of adrenalin-inducing adventure, click on the “Explore by interest” section.

2. Travelzoo.com

Travelzoo will also search out the best prices for you, but they specialize in travel packages. Each day, they post the top package deals. Want to see the fall colors in New England or the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC this spring? This is the spot. They have also added a section for Spring Break Deals.

1. Kayak.com

This site will search over 140 travel sites at once and find the best rates for airfare, cruises, hotels, car rentals, and more. If you are a frequent traveler, you can sign up for e-mail alerts to notify you of great fares for your destination of choice. They’ve also got a list of tips on how to find the best prices.

Next time you have a trip to plan, be sure and let these top 10 best travel sites online make your planning easier – all from the comfort of your home’s Internet connection.